Surf champ Tyler Wright takes a knee for BLM movement at Tweed Coast Pro

Two-time world surf champion Tyler Wright stopped in the sand, dropped to one knee and held her fist high for more than seven minutes during a heat of the Tweed Coast Pro yesterday. Here’s why she did it.

TWO-time world surf champion Tyler Wright stopped in the sand, dropped to one knee and held her fist high for 439 seconds during a heat of the Tweed Coast Pro yesterday.

It represented one second for every First Nations person in Australia who has lost their life in police custody since 1991.

In a post later on her personal social media account, Wright said she felt compelled to use her “white privilege” and platform in the pursuit of “racial justice and equality for everyone after a period of self reflection”.

Wright had also inscribed Black Lives Matter across her surfboard for the event.

“I understand that my white privilege and having this platform within the surfing community means I have the choice to do something and say something … and that many don’t have the opportunity,” she wrote.
“I need to say and do more with mine and I am committed to challenging and changing the systems that discriminate and oppress people with different backgrounds.

“This is a lifetime commitment and it starts by examining one’s own prejudices stereotypes and bias.

“We all live on and amongst racist and prejudiced systems that discriminate, dehumanise and continue to oppress Bla (c) k (sic) People, Indigenous People and People of Colour.”

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Tyler Wright takes a knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement at the Tweed Coast Pro. - WSL / MATT DUBAR

Wright encouraged others to listen, learn and use their privilege and opportunity to encourage others.

The stance has received praise from many of her fans online. The World Surf League also offered a message of support for her stance.

The Black Lives Matter movement came into effect in mid-2013 after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of African-American teen Trayvon Martin in February 2012. It has been at the forefront of international discussion this year following the tragic death of George Floyd and global protests.

Thousands also marched in state capital cities in Australia this year.

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“The WSL is in full support of Wright and everyone around the world who are making their voices heard against racism and injustice,” a WSL spokesman said.

“Surfing is for everyone and the WSL stands in solidarity to proactively work against racism and fight for true equality.”